Tough Traveler
Growing up where I did, between Albany and Saratoga, NY, there were exactly two types of backbacks you could own. An L.L. Bean one or a Tough Traveler one. The L.L. Bean ones were known for their warranty. The Tough Traveler ones were known for never needing a warranty. (That, and for being made in the good ol’ USofA).
These bags had a solid reputation. In fact, we almost didn’t like them, because we knew we’d be stuck with the same bag for years. Everyone knew how tough they were. My friends and I really tried to test their limits. We played tug of war with them, pulled them out of the dog’s teeth, dragged them through the snow and shoved them in the tops of our lockers. We’d haul stuff around in them all summer playing army and come the new school year there wouldn’t be so much as a broken zipper.
Tough Traveler is based in Schenectady, NY and has been making all of their luggage, backpacks and child carriers in upstate for over 40 years.
From their site:
All of Tough Traveler’s products are made in our own USA-factory, primarily using American-made materials. Every bag is made by our staff of skilled craftspeople in a sweat-shop-free environment. We employ the highest standards for design and durability. Tough Traveler’s bags are known for attractive design and superb workmanship, and many of our customers tell us they appreciate our manufacture in the USA.
It’s hard to find bags made in America at these prices, especially of this quality. I guess they saved some money by not investing too much in their website or ever advertising anywhere.
Boston Parking
FENWAY
Urban chair from Ikea
Light enough to take with you to your next nine-month-lease apartment.
Price: $40
Illustration by Liz Noftle
BACK BAY
Continuous Arm chair by Thos. Moser
Pedigreed, understated—just like the two Volvos it will save space for.
Price: $1,325
Illustration by Liz Noftle
SOWA
Barcelona chair by Knoll
Finally, a turf-holder suitable for the image-obsessed Toro regular.
Price: $4,523
Illustration by Liz Noftle
BEACON HILL
Antique Louis XVI armchair
Subject to neighborhood-council and historical-society approval.
Price: If you have to ask…
Illustration by Liz Noftle
JAMAICA PLAIN
Overlapping squares side chair from West Elm
Plays equally well with midcentury furnishings, Queen Anne–style architecture, tribal mask collections, and Subarus.
Price: $189
Illustration by Liz Noftle
SOUTH BOSTON
Wooden rocking chair
Perfect for holding a space and for sitting in while reading the Herald.
Price: Whatever Aunt Maureen paid for it in 1974.
Illustration by Liz Noftle
ALLSTON
Tattered La-Z-Boy recliner
Procured from the BU students down the street in exchange for a case of Natty Ice.
Price: Sometimes $14.49, at Blanchard’s.
Illustration by Liz Noftle
CHARLESTOWN
Metal folding chair weighed down by a cinderblock
Great for taking out the back window of the car that stole your spot.
Price: Free. Claim one 48 hours after the next nor’easter.
Illustration by Liz Noftle
Editor’s Note: All pictures, descriptions and text stolen directly from Boston.com. (http://tinyurl.com/5wywe3h)
